Solvated nonionic surfactants and fatty acids

ABSTRACT

A liquid and readily flowable composition includes (a) a room-temperature-solid solute, such as a nonionic surfactant, preferably having a hydrophile-lipophile balance from about 11.1 to about 18.4, a (ii) C 8 -C 14  fatty acid, or combinations thereof; (b) an alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide; and (c) water, if needed. The alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide, which is substantially liquid at room temperature, solvates the solid solute to form a homogeneous composition which is liquid and readily flowable at room temperature. The select classes of nonionic surfactants include polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid esters, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, poloxamers, alkyl polysaccharides, or combinations thereof. Useful alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides include propoxylated fatty ethanolamides.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/840,417, filedMay 7, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.10/620,210, filed Jul. 14, 2003. These applications, in their entirety,are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to solvating nonionic surfactants andfatty acids that are solid at room temperature with alkoxylated fattyalkanolamides and, at times, water. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to creating homogeneous solutions of these solidmaterials with propoxylated fatty ethanolamides.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nonionic surfactants have been incorporated in a plethora ofcompositions because of the wide variety of utilities, such asadjuvancy, thickening, foaming, emulsification, dispersion, coupling(increasing the compatibility of oils), solubilization, detergency,suspension, spreading, wetting and gelling. Although nonionicsurfactants have been available for more than fifty years, only alimited number have been provided in a readily flowable liquid form.Solid nonionic surfactants are typically heated to melt the solid into aflowable form for subsequent incorporation into various formulations.

Such heating, however, is not only expensive, but may also affect otheringredients of the resulting formulations. For example, certainsurfactants have the ability to solubilize water insoluble materials,for example fragrances which are frequently only oil-soluble materials,into aqueous systems by reducing surface tension of the solution or byreducing interfacial surface tension between non-compatible substancesto disperse the materials therein. Incorporation of fragrances intomelted surfactants may often result in loss of the fragrances, as manyof these substances are volatile oils.

Solid fatty acids have also been used in a variety of applications, suchas soaps, chemical intermediates for paints and coatings, fiber finishformulations, cleaning and personal care compositions, and lubricantapplications. The solid fatty acids may also have to be heated to meltthese solids for incorporation into liquid formulations. Such heating issimilarly undesirable.

Alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,531,443. These alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides include capryl,stearic, soy oil and coconut oil fatty monoethanolamides and may be inliquid form. Liquid alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides have been used tosolubilize other surfactants, including certain solid surfactants, asdisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/00364498A1. Further, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/0091667 A1describes the solubilization of an antimicrobial composition and analkoxylated fatty alkanolamide into a water phase to produce a visuallyclear and substantially colorless aqueous system. The antimicrobialcomposition includes halogenated hydroxyl-diphenyl ethers, for instancetriclosan, which are solids at room temperature.

As used in colloidal chemistry and as used in surfactant chemistry,solubilization is the dispersion or emulsion of an insoluble materialinto a liquid, such as water or a predominately aqueous system. Such adispersion or emulsion, however, does not result in a true or intimatesolution, i.e., a uniform mixture of a solute and a solvent at themolecular or ionic level. The solubilized mixture is finely dispersed toproduce a visually clear emulsion having discrete particles present onthe microscopic or micron level. In other words, certain surfactants,such as the above-described alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides, have beenused to finely disperse or solubilize water-insoluble materials intoaqueous systems, i.e., systems having predominant amounts of water. Suchsystems, however, remain heterogeneous, dual or multiple phases on amicroscopic level.

Further, many nonionic surfactants are described as being soluble orslightly soluble in water, typically less than ten weight percent. Suchcommonly used terminology, however, does not refer to the ability of thesurfactants to form true aqueous solutions, but refers to the limits forthe amounts of the surfactants suitable for aqueous dispersion oremulsification.

While various dispersions of alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides andsurfactant systems or formulations containing alkoxylated fattyalkanolamides have been described, solvation of nonionic surfactants andfatty acids compositions that are solid at room temperature has remainedelusive. Consequently, there is a need to solvate nonionic surfactantsand fatty acids that are substantially solid at room temperature toprovide a homogeneous liquid which is stable at room temperature.Desirably, such solvations will provide the known attributes of thesolid nonionic surfactants and fatty acids, while providing theconvenience of being liquid-form deliverable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the solvation of certain nonionicsurfactants and fatty acids which are solid at ambient, room temperature(about 25° C.). Desirably, the solvation does not adversely affect theattribute for which the nonionic surfactant or the fatty acid isnormally added to a composition or a formulation. In some cases, thesolvation results in a synergistic affect where the solvated compositionoffers enhanced performance as compared to the use of an unsolvatednonionic surfactant.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a homogeneous liquidcomposition of nonionic surfactants or fatty acids, at least onealkoxylated fatty alkanolamide and, at times, water. In a preferredembodiment propoxylated fatty alkanolamides, more preferablypropoxylated fatty ethanolamides are employed. Not all nonionicsurfactants, however, may be effectively solvated by the alkoxylatedfatty alkanolamides. Those surfactants of classes described hereinpreferably have a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) about 11.1 to about18.4. Nonionic surfactants having an HLB less than about 11.1 or greaterthan about 18.4, may not be completely solvated with the alkoxylatedfatty alkanolamides used in the present invention.

Useful propoxylated fatty ethanolamides include propoxylatedhydroxyethyl caprylamides, propoxylated hydroxyethyl cocamides,propoxylated hydroxyethyl linoleamides, propoxylated hydroxyethylisostearamides, and combinations thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A large number of applications are contemplated by the presentinvention. Among the many applications in which the solvatedcompositions of the present invention may be incorporated include,without limitation, skin care products such as soap, liquid handcleansers, body washes, facial washes, lotions, moisturizers, sunscreens, and make-up; hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners,hair dyes and colorants and hair gels; industrial cleaners; householdcleaners; laundry detergents; as well as pre-moistened towels such asbaby wipes and geriatric wipes; agricultural products includingpesticides; paints; textiles; metal cleaning products; metal workingproducts; and lubricants.

As used herein to describe the present invention, and as used in generalchemistry, the term solvation and its variants relate to the ability ofa material (i.e., a solvent) to form a homogeneous liquid solution withanother substance (i.e., a solute) through molecular interactions, butexcluding substantial molecular dissociation of the solute, such as thecase with sodium chloride being dissolved by water. In such ahomogeneous solution the solute is dissolved by the solvent. Incontrast, as described above, solubilization relates to the ability of amaterial (a solubilizer) to aid in the dispersion of two noncompatible,for example, immiscible, substances. Often the solubilizer reduces theinterfacial surface tension between the immiscible substances to permitdispersion therebetween. Such a dispersion does not result in ahomogeneous liquid solution, but merely results in a heterogeneous,often times finely dispersed micro-emulsion mixture. Thus, as usedherein, the degree of homogeneity for solvated compositions exceeds thedegree of homogeneity present in solubilized compositions. As usedherein, a homogeneous composition refers to a uniform composition ortrue solution that does not separate into individual constituents overtime at about room temperature, even when subjected to freezing andsubsequent thawing.

Useful solvents with the practice of the present invention includealkoxylated fatty alkanolamides, preferably propoxylated fattyalkanolamides, and, at times, water. Solutes which may be solvated bysuch solvents include certain nonionic surfactants and fatty acids whichare solid at room temperature. The nonionic surfactants that aresolvated with the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides include those classesof nonionic surfactants described below and preferably having ahydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) about 11.1 to about 18.4.

The HLB is an indication of the weight amount of the hydrophilic portionof the nonionic surfactant. HLB values for most polyol fatty acid esterscan be calculated with the formula HLB=20*(1−S/A), where S is thesaponification number of the ester and A is the acid number of therecovered acid. Where the hydrophilic portion consists of ethyleneoxide, the HLB value may be calculated with the formula HLB=E/5, where Eis the weigh percent of oxyethylene content.

The solutes of the present invention are those that are solid at roomtemperature and selected from

-   -   (a) nonionic surfactants preferably having an HLB from about        11.1 to about 18.4 and selected from the following classes:        -   (1) polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid esters having from            about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms and having a polyethylene            oxide moiety corresponding to the formula —(OCH₂CH₂)_(n),            where n is from about 5 to about 200, and further where both            mono- and di-esters are included, and preferably having from            about 16 to about 18 carbon atoms and where n is from about            8 to about 150;        -   (2) ethoxylated fatty alcohols having an ethylene oxide            moiety corresponding to the formula —(OCH₂ CH₂)_(m), wherein            m is from about 5 to about 150, preferably from about 6 to            about 31, and more preferably from about 7 to about 21 moles            of ethoxylation, and having a fatty alcohol moiety having            from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about            8 to about 22 carbon atoms, and more preferably from about            10 to about 19 carbon atoms, where these fatty alcohols can            be straight or branched chain alcohols and can be saturated            or unsaturated, and where nonlimiting examples of suitable            ethoxylated fatty alcohols include oleth-10 through            oleth-20, which are ethylene glycol ethers of oleth alcohol,            wherein the numeric designation indicates the number of            ethylene oxide moieties present, the steareth series of            compounds such as steareth-10 through steareth-21, which are            ethylene glycol ethers of steareth alcohol, wherein the            numeric designation indicates the number of ethylene oxide            moieties present, and other fatty alcohols may include            lauryl alcohol and isocetyl alcohol;        -   (3) poloxamers, which are ethylene oxide and propylene oxide            block copolymers, having from about 15 to about 100 moles of            ethylene oxide, preferably, about 60 to about 70 moles, and            having about 15 to about 70 moles of propylene oxide,            preferably, about 20 to about 30 moles;        -   (4) alkyl polysaccharide (APS) surfactants (e.g. alkyl            polyglycosides) having a hydrophobic group with about 6 to            about 30 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide (e.g.,            polyglycoside) as the hydrophilic group; optionally, there            can be a polyalkylene-oxide group joining the hydrophobic            and hydrophilic moieties; and the alkyl group (i.e., the            hydrophobic moiety) can be saturated or unsaturated,            branched or unbranched, and unsubstituted or substituted            (e.g., with hydroxy); and    -   (b) carboxylic fatty acids of the formula R³COOH where a mean        average R³ is from about 8 to about 14 carbon atoms, which can        be saturated or unsaturated, and preferably from about 12 to        about 14 carbon atoms; and    -   (c) combinations thereof.

Preferred solutes are polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid esters,ethoxylated fatty alcohols, carboxylic fatty acids, and combinationsthereof.

The amount of solute present in the homogeneous compositions of thepresent invention may vary from low concentrations, for example about 10weight percent or less, to high concentrations, for example about 80weight percent or greater, where the weight percents are on a totalcomposition basis. The amount of the above-described nonionicsurfactants that may be solvated depends upon several factors, includingthe HLB of the nonionic surfactant to be solvated. Other factors mayinclude the particular solvent, including water, if present. At terminalends of the preferred HLB range, i.e., about 11.1 and about 18.4, about10 weight percent nonionic surfactant may suitably be solvated.Solutions having less than 10 weight percent nonionic surfactant mayalso be formed, but these more dilute solutions are not preferred asfunctionality of the surfactant may be diluted. Higher amounts ofnonionic surfactants may be solvated at HLB values between the 11.1 and18.4 values. For example, about 80 weight percent or greater of nonionicsurfactants having an HLB from about 15 to about 17 may be solvated.Accordingly, the true solutions of room-temperature-solid nonionicsurfactants having HLB values between about 11.1 and about 18.4 valuesmay be formed having from about 10 weight percent to about 80 weightpercent nonionic surfactant on a total composition basis, preferablyfrom about 20 weight percent to about 70 weight percent, and moregenerally from about 20 weight percent to about 65 weight percent.

As noted in Examples 1 through 14, solvation levels for certain nonionicsurfactants with propoxylated fatty ethanolamides vary with HLB of thenonionic surfactants, and, at times, water. Numerous testing was done atless than the maximum solvation limits to confirm the homogeneity of theresulting compositions at varying concentrations of solute and solvent.Nonionic surfactants having a HLB of less than about 11.1 tend to formcloudy or hazy mixtures with possible phase separation. Nonionicsurfactants having a HLB of greater than about 18.4 tend to be cloudy orhazy mixtures with possible phase separation and possiblesolidification.

The above-described solvation levels may also suitably be used forblends or combinations of nonionic surfactants, whereby the resultingHLB of the nonionic surfactant blend is preferably within from about11.1 to about 18.4. Thus, a blend of a nonionic surfactant having a HLBfrom about 11.1 to about 18.4 and another nonionic surfactant, which mayor may not have a HLB from about 11.1 to about 18.4, may suitably besolvated, provided that the combined HLB is from about 11.1 to about18.4. Preferably, only minor amounts of nonionic surfactants outside ofthe HLB range of about 11.1 to about 18.4 are included in surfactantblends to be solvated.

Solvation levels for the nonionic surfactants also depend upon theamount of solvent used. Alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides in the amountsfrom about 10 weight percent to about 80 weight percent on a totalcombination basis may be present in the solvated compositions of thepresent invention, preferably from about 20 weight percent to about 70weight percent, and more preferably from about 20 weight percent toabout 65 weight percent. Some water is required for solvation of thenonionic surfactants with alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides to formhomogeneous liquid solutions. Generally, at least 5 weight percent wateris used for forming homogeneous liquid compositions with nonionicsurfactants. The homogeneous liquid compositions may suitably containfrom about 5 weight percent to about 35 weight percent water on a totalcomposition basis, preferably from about 10 to about 30 weight percentwater, more preferably from about 20 to about 30 weight percent water.

Solvations of the above-described carboxylic C₈-C₁₄ fatty acid solutesdo not require the addition of water. Solvations having of about 50weight percent carboxylic fatty acid solutes are achieved with about 50weight percent alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides solvents, where theweight percents are on a total composition basis. Increased amounts ofthe alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides solvents may suitably be used toform clear, homogeneous solutions of the room-temperature-solidcarboxylic fatty acid solutes. Useful, nonlimiting examples of fattyacid solutes include lauric acid, myristic fatty acid, and coconut fattyacid.

The fatty moiety of the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide is preferably abranched or straight chain, alkyl or alkenyl group containing 3 to 21carbon atoms, more preferably containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, orcombinations thereof. The alkoxy moiety may be an ethoxy, propoxy, orbutoxy group, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodimentpropoxylated fatty alkanolamides, more preferably propoxylated fattyethanolamides are employed.

Useful alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide solvents are those represented byFormula 1;

where

-   -   R¹ is a branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturated        C₃-C₂₁ alkyl radical, preferably a C₈-C₁₈ alkyl radical, or a        combination thereof; R² is a C₁-C₂ alkyl radical or a        combination thereof, preferably R² is a C₁ alkyl radical; x is        from about 1 to about 8, preferably about 1 to about 5, and more        preferably from about 1 to about 3; y is 0 or 1, preferably 0;        and z is 1 or 2, preferably 2.

Examples of useful alkoxylated-fatty alkanolamides includepolyoxypropylene-, polyoxybutylene-, fatty ethanolamides or fattyisopropanolamides. Alkoxylated fatty ethanolamides are preferred,particularly propoxylated fatty ethanolamides. The fatty ethanolamidemoiety is preferably a fatty monoethanolamide, and more preferably isderived from lauric monoethanolamide, capric monoethanolamide, caprylicmonoethanolamide, caprylic/capric monoethanolamide, decanoicmonoethanolamide, myristic monoethanolamide, palmitic monoethanolamide,stearic monoethanolamide, isostearic monoethanolamide, oleicmonoethanolamide, linoleic monoethanolamide, octyidecanoicmonoethanolamide, 2-heptylundecanoic monoethanolamide, coconut oil fattymonoethanolamide, beef tallow fatty monoethanolamide, soy oil fattymonoethanolamide and palm kernel oil fatty monoethanolamide. Of thesecapryl, linoleyl, stearic, isostearic, soy oil, and coconut oil fattymonoethanolamides are preferred. And when isostearic is used it ispreferably used in combination with another of the alkoxylated fattyalkanolamides. (The ratios are described below in paragraph [0031].)

Preferred propoxylated fatty ethanolamides include propoxylatedhydroxyethyl caprylamides, propoxylated hydroxyethyl cocamides,propoxylated hydroxyethyl linoleamides, propoxylated hydroxyethylisostearamides, and combinations thereof. Propoxylated hydroxyethylcocamides are more preferred. Preferred specific materials are PPG-1hydroxyethyl caprylamide, PPG-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide, PPG-3hydroxyethyl linoleamide, PPG-2 hydroxyethyl isostearamide, andcombinations thereof. PPG-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide is particularlypreferred.

In an alternative embodiment, alkoxylated fatty isopropanolamides areemployed. The fatty isopropanolamide moiety is preferably a fattymonoisopropanolamide, and more preferably is derived from lauricmonoisopropanolamide, capric monoisopropanolamide, caprylicmonoisopropanolamide, caprylic/capric monoisopropanolamide, decanoicmonoisopropanolamide, myristic monoisopropanolamide, palmiticmonoisopropanolamide, stearic monoisopropanolamide, isostearicmonoisopropanolamide, oleic monoisopropanolamide, linoleicmonoisopropanolamide, octyldecanoic monoisopropanolamide,2-heptylundecanoic monoisopropanolamide, coconut oil fattymonoisopropanolamide, beef tallow fatty monoisopropanolamide, soy oilfatty monoisopropanolamide, and palm kernel oil fattymonoisopropanolamide. Of these, stearic, isostearic, and coconut oilfatty monoisopropanolamide are preferred.

A method for solvating a room-temperature-solid solute according to thepresent invention comprises the steps of (a) providing aroom-temperature-solid solute selected from the group consisting of anonionic surfactant preferably having a hydrophile-lipophile balancefrom about 11.1 to about 18.4, a C₈-C₁₄ fatty acid, and combinationsthereof; (b) selecting an alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide which is liquidat room temperature, (c) combining the solute, optionally the water, andthe alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide; (d) heating the mixture to atemperature greater than the pour point of the solute to liquefy thesolid; and (e) maintaining temperature of the mixture and stirring untila homogeneous liquid composition is achieved. The composition may becooled to room temperature to form a room-temperature, homogenous liquidcomposition. The present invention, however, is not limited to heatingthe combined mixture for liquefaction of the solute. For example, any ofthe constituents may be heated, individually or in combination, toprovide sufficient enthalpy to melt the solid solute and to keep theresultant mixture in liquid form during mixing. The heating may be doneprior, during or after combining the different constituents.

The solvation techniques of the present invention provide a liquid andreadily flowable composition comprising (a) a room-temperature-solidsolute selected from the group consisting of (i) a nonionic surfactant,such as polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid esters, ethoxylated fattyalcohols, poloxamers, alkyl polysaccharides, and combinations thereof,preferably having a hydrophile-lipophile balance from about 11.1 toabout 18.4, (ii) a C₈-C₁₄ fatty acid, or combinations thereof; and (b)an alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide composition; or combinations ofalkoxylated fatty alkanolamides and optionally (c) water, when needed.

When the solute comprises a polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid diester,the use of a solvent comprising a propoxylated hydroxyethylisostearamide in combination with another propoxylated hydroxyethylalkylamide, such as propoxylated hydroxyethyl caprylic/capric amide orpolypropylene glycol hydroxyethyl cocamide, and water results in asynergistic thickening effect. By synergistic is meant the resultantthickening is greater than the thickening caused by the solute alone orthe solvent alone. Such synergistic thickening is useful in cleansingformulations, for example, but not limited to, shampoos. For example, asdescribed in Examples 15 and 16, a solvated composition according to thepresent invention, which contained a commonly used thickener as asolute, has enhanced thickening over the solute alone and over thesolvent alone for three different adult shampoo bases and for a babyshampoo formulation. The solute used was a polyoxyethylene (150)distearate. The solvent used was an isostearamide/nonisostearamidecombination. The solvated composition included the polyoxyethylene (150)distearate solute solvated with the isostearamide/nonisostearamidesolvent which salvation surprisingly had increased thickening over thecontributions of its individual constituents.

For synergistic thickening, the amount of the isostearamide component inthe isostearamide/nonisostearamide solvent may suitably vary from about5 to about 95 weight percent on a solvent basis, preferably from about10 to about 60 weight percent, and more preferably from about 15 toabout 35 weight percent.

In an alternative embodiment, a synergistic thickening effect is alsoobtained with a solute comprising a polyalkylene oxide carboxylic aciddiester, the use of a solvent comprising a propoxylated hydroxyethylcocamide, and water. The propoxylated hydroxyethyl cocamide ispreferably present in the amounts from about 5 weight percent to about50 weight percent on a total combination basis in the solvatedcompositions of the present invention, preferably from about 10 weightpercent to about 35 weight percent, and more preferably from about 15weight percent to about 25 weight percent. The polyalkylene oxidecarboxylic acid diester is preferably present in the amounts from about20 weight percent to about 70 weight percent on a total combinationbasis, preferably from about 30 weight percent to about 60 weightpercent, and more preferably from about 45 weight percent to about 55weight percent. The homogeneous liquid compositions suitably containfrom about 5 weight percent to about 50 weight percent water on a totalcomposition basis, preferably from about 15 to about 40 weight percentwater, more preferably from about 25 to about 30 weight percent water. Aparticularly surprising feature is that relatively high concentrationsof polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid diester can be solvated usingrelatively low concentrations of propoxylated hydroxyethyl cocamide.

In one aspect of the present invention, a shampoo is provided whichcomprises, i.e. is formed from a liquid and readily flowable compositiondefined herein, and additionally comprises an anionic surfactant; andoptionally one or more of a betaine, a non-ionic surfactant, anamphoteric surfactant, and a cationic surfactant.

In a further aspect a baby shampoo is provided. The baby shampoocomprises (i) a room-temperature liquid and solvated thickeningcomposition comprising (a) a solvent comprising an alkoxylated fattyalkanolamide; preferably a propoxylated hydroxyethyl isostearamide, apropoxylated hydroxyethyl caprylamide, a propoxylated hydroxyethylcocamide, and combinations thereof; more preferably a propoxylatedhydroxyethyl cocamide, (b) a solute comprising a room-temperature-solidnonionic surfactant comprising polyalkylene oxide carboxylic aciddiesters having a polyethylene oxide moiety corresponding to the formulaof —(OCH₂CH₂)_(n), where n is from about 5 to about 200, and having acarboxylic acid moiety from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, andpreferably having a hydrophile-lipophile balance from about 11.1 toabout 18.4; and (c) water; (ii) an anionic surfactant; (iii) a betaine;(iv) a nonionic surfactant; and (v) optionally, an amphotericsurfactant. Preferably, the anionic surfactant is present from about 2to about 5 weight percent on a total shampoo basis; the betaine ispresent from about 3 to about 6 weight percent on a total shampoo basis;the nonionic surfactant is present from about 6 to about 10 weightpercent on a total shampoo basis; and the amphoteric surfactant ispresent from about 0 to about 5 weight percent on a total shampoo basis.Non-limiting examples of anionic surfactants useful for baby shampoosinclude sodium trideceth sulfate. Non-limiting examples of betainesuseful for baby shampoos include cocamidopropyl betaine. Non-limitingexamples of nonionic surfactants useful for baby shampoos include PEGsorbitan laurate. Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants usefulfor baby shampoos includes sodium laureth sulfate.

In another aspect of the present invention an adult shampoo is provided.The adult shampoo comprises (i) a room-temperature liquid and solvatedthickening composition comprising: (a) a solvent comprising analkoxylated fatty alkanolamide; preferably a propoxylated hydroxyethylisostearamide, a propoxylated hydroxyethyl caprylamide, a propoxylatedhydroxyethyl cocamide, and combinations thereof; more preferably apropoxylated hydroxyethyl cocamide, (b) a solute comprising aroom-temperature-solid nonionic surfactant comprising polyalkylene oxidecarboxylic acid diesters having a polyethylene oxide moietycorresponding to the formula of —(OCH₂CH₂)_(n), where n is from about 5to about 200, and having a carboxylic acid moiety from about 8 to about30 carbon atoms, and preferably having a hydrophile-lipophile balancefrom about 11.1 to about 18.4; and (c) water; (ii) anionic surfactant;(iii) betaine; (iv) nonionic surfactant; and (v) optionally, cationicsurfactant. Preferably, the anionic surfactant is present from about 6to about 15 weight percent on a total shampoo basis; the betaine ispresent from about 2 to about 6 weight percent on a total shampoo basis;the nonionic surfactant is present from about 1 to about 4 weightpercent on a total shampoo basis; and the cationic surfactant is presentfrom about 0 to about 1 weight percent on a total shampoo basis.Non-limiting examples of anionic surfactants useful for adult shampoosinclude sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laurethsulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, alpha-olefin sulfonate, andcombinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of betaine useful for adultshampoos include cocamidopropyl betaine. Non-limiting examples ofnonionic surfactants useful for adult shampoos include cocamide MEA,lauramide DEA, PPG-2 hydroxyethyl coco/isostearamide, and combinationsthereof. Non limiting examples of cationic surfactants useful for adultshampoos includes Polyquat-10 or behentrimonium chloride.

In another aspect of the present invention an industrial cleaningcomposition, preferably a laundry detergent is provided. The industrialcleaning composition comprises:

-   -   (i) a liquid and readily flowable composition comprising:        -   a) a room-temperature-solid solute selected from the group            consisting of a nonionic surfactant, a C₈-C₁₄ fatty acid,            and combinations thereof;        -   b) an alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide; and        -   c) optionally water;    -   wherein the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide acts as a solvent to        solvate the solid solute to form a homogeneous composition which        is liquid and readily flowable at room temperature; and    -   (ii) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting        of an anionic surfactant; a non-ionic surfactant, an amphoteric        surfactant, and a cationic surfactant.

The features and advantages of the present invention are more fullyshown by the following examples which are provided for purposes ofillustration, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention inany way.

EXAMPLES

Examples 1 through 14 demonstrate the ability of alkoxylated fattyalkanolamides to solvate selected room-temperature-solid materials. Theselected room-temperature-solid materials were combined with analkoxylated fatty alkanolamide composition having 1 part by weightpropoxylated hydroxyethyl isostearamide to 3 parts by weightpropoxylated hydroxyethyl cocamide (Composition A) and, optionally,water at various concentrations.

The solid materials in Examples 1-14 were added to Composition A andheated to a temperature of 50° C. or to a temperature slightly greaterthan their melting or pour point when it exceeded 50° C. to provide aliquefied material. The material was stirred in a vessel with a mixingblade while maintaining temperature until homogeneous. Water wasseparately heated to a temperature of about 50° C. The heated water, ifany, was added to the blend with moderate stirring. The resultingmixtures were cooled to room temperature.

Example 1

Polyoxyethylene (20) isohexadecyl ether (Arlasolve 200, available fromUniqema) has a HLB of about 15.7, is a solid at room temperature (34° C.pour point). The polyoxyethylene (20) isohexadecyl ether was combinedwith Composition A and water at various proportions according to theprocedures described above. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositionswere observed at varying concentrations of the three ingredients. Somewater, however, was required for salvation. The results are shown belowin Table 1 TABLE 1 polyoxyethylene (20) isohexadecyl Composition Water,ether, Wt. % A, Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 38 12 50 clear solublegel 20 65 15 clear, soluble, pourable 40 40 20 clear, soluble, pourable50 30 20 clear, soluble, pourable 60 20 20 clear, soluble, pourable 5050 0 cloudy homogeneous solid 60 40 0 cloudy homogeneous solid 70 30 0homogeneous solid 75 25 0 homogeneous solid

Example 2

Polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether (Brij 35, available from Uniqema) hasa HLB of about 16.9, is a solid at room temperature (33° C. pour point).The polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether was combined with Composition Aand water at various proportions according to the procedures describedabove. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositions were observed atvarying concentrations of the three ingredients. Some water, however,was required for solvation. The results are shown below in Table 2.TABLE 2 polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether, Composition Water, Wt. % A,Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 20 65 15 clear, soluble 44 14 42 clear,soluble, gel 60 20 20 clear, soluble 75 25 0 cloudy homogeneous solid

Example 3

Polyoxyoxyethylene (20) isohexadecyl ether of Example 1 and thepolyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether of Example 2 were combined withComposition A and water at various proportions according to theprocedures described above. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositionswere observed at varying concentrations of the three ingredients. Theresults are shown below in Table 3A. TABLE 3A polyoxyethylenepolyoxyethylene Compo- (20) isohexadecyl (23) lauryl sition Water,Appearance ether, Wt. % ether, Wt. % A, Wt. % Wt. % at 20° C. 50 10 2020 clear, soluble, pourable 10 50 20 20 clear, soluble, pourable

The HLB of the combined ethers was calculated to be 15.9 and 16.7 forthe polyoxyethylene (20) isohexadecyl ether rich and lean combinations,respectively. The polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether rich composition wasformulated to be an effective liquid nonionic foaming surfactant blend.

An effective nonionic foaming surfactant blend was also made using adifferent solvent from Composition A. A propoxylated hydroxyethylcaprylamide (Promidium CC product available from Uniqema, Composition D)solvated the polyoxyethylene (20) isohexadecyl ether and thepolyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether combination with the presence of somewater according to the procedures described above. Solvated, clear andhomogeneous composition was observed. The results are shown below inTable 3B. TABLE 3B polyoxyethylene polyoxyethylene Compo- (20)isohexadecyl (23) lauryl sition Water, Appearance ether, Wt. % ether,Wt. % D, Wt. % Wt. % at 20° C. 10 50 20 20 clear, soluble, pourable

Example 4

Polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether (Brij 72, available from Uniqema) hasa HLB of about 4.9, is a solid at room temperature (43° C. pour point).The polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether was combined with Composition Aand water according to the procedures described above. A solvated, clearand homogeneous composition was not obtained. The results are shownbelow in Table 4. TABLE 4 polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether, CompositionA, Water, Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 20 65 15 solid,separation

Example 5

Polyoxyethylene (10) stearyl ether (Brij 76, available from Uniqema) hasa HLB of about 12.4, is a solid at room temperature (38° C. pour point).The polyoxyethylene (10) stearyl ether was combined with Composition Aand water at various proportions according to the procedures describedabove. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositions were observed. Somewater, however, was required for salvation. The results are shown belowin Table 5. TABLE 5 polyoxyethylene (10) stearyl ether, Composition A,Water, Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 20 65 15 clear, soluble 6020 20 homogeneous, cloudy gel

Example 6

Polyoxyethylene (20) stearyl ether (Brij 78, available from Uniqema) hasa HLB of about 15.3, is a solid at room temperature (38° C. pour point).The polyoxyethylene (20) stearyl ether was combined with Composition Aand water at various proportions according to the procedures describedabove. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositions were observed. Theresults are shown below in Table 6. TABLE 6 polyoxyethylene (20) stearylether, Composition A, Water, Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 4040 20 clear, soluble, pourable 45 45 10 homogeneous, cloudy solid 20 6515 stable liquid, slight haze

Example 7

Polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether (Brij 700, available from Uniqema)has a HLB of about 18.8, is a solid at room temperature (55° C. pourpoint). The polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether was combined withComposition A and water at various proportions according to theprocedures described above. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositionswere not observed at varying concentrations of the three ingredients.The results are shown below in Table 7. TABLE 7 polyoxyethylene (100)stearyl Composition Water, ether, Wt. % A, Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20°C. 16 52 32 cloudy homogeneous high viscosity 22 72 6 cloudy homogeneoussolid 21 68 11 cloudy homogeneous solid 40 40 20 cloudy homogeneoussolid 20 65 15 separation 19 62 19 separation

Example 8

Polyoxyethylene (21) stearyl ether (Brij 721, available from Uniqema)has a HLB of about 15.5, is a solid at room temperature (45° C. pourpoint). The polyoxyethylene (21) stearyl ether was combined withComposition A and water at various proportions according to theprocedures described above. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositionswere observed. The results are shown below in Table 8. TABLE 8polyoxyethylene (21) stearyl ether, Composition A, Water, Wt. % Wt. %Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 53 17 30 clear gel 60 20 20 clear gel 19 6219 clear, soluble liquid

Example 9

Polyoxyethylene (20) oleyl ether (Brij 98, available from Uniqema) has aHLB of about 15.3, is a solid at room temperature (23° C. pour point).The polyoxyethylene (20) oleyl ether was combined with Composition A andwater according to the procedures described above. Solvated, clear andhomogeneous compositions were observed. The results are shown below inTable 9. TABLE 9 polyoxyethylene (20) oleyl ether, Composition A, Water,Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 20 65 15 clear, soluble, pourable

Example 10

Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate (Myrj 52, available from Uniqema) has aHLB of about 16.9, is a solid at room temperature (38° C. pour point).The polyoxyethylene (40) stearate was combined with Composition A andwater at various proportions according to the procedures describedabove. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositions were observed atvarying concentrations of the three ingredients. The results are shownbelow in Table 10. TABLE 10 Compo- polyoxyethylene sition A, Water, (40)stearate, Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 21 68 11 clear,soluble, pourable 19 62 19 clear, soluble, pourable 24 76 0 cloudyhomogeneous solid 16 52 32 separation 20 65 15 stable with haze

Example 11

Polyoxyethylene (50) stearate (Myrj 53, available from Uniqema) has aHLB of about 17.9, is a solid at room temperature (40° C. pour point).The polyoxyethylene (50) stearate was combined with Composition A andwater according to the procedures described above. Solvated, clear andhomogeneous compositions were observed. The results are shown below inTable 11. TABLE 11 Compo- polyoxyethylene sition A, Water, (50)stearate, Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 20 65 15 clear,soluble, pourable

Example 12

Polyoxyethylene (100) stearate. (Myrj 59, available from Uniqema) has aHLB of about 18.8, is a solid at room temperature (46° C. pour point).The polyoxyethylene (100) stearate was combined with Composition A andwater at various proportions according to the procedures describedabove. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositions were not observed.The results are shown below in Table 12. TABLE 12 Compo- polyoxyethylenesition A, Water, (100) stearate, Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C.22 72 6 cloudy homogeneous solid 20 65 15 separation 21 68 11 separation16 52 32 separation

Example 13

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate (Tween 65, available fromUniqema) has a HLB of about 10.5, is a solid at room temperature (33° C.pour point). The polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate was combinedwith Composition A and water according to the procedures describedabove. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositions were not observed.The results are shown below in Table 13. TABLE 13 polyoxyethylene(20)sorbitan tristearate, Composition Water, Wt. % A, Wt. % Wt. % Appearanceat 20° C. 20 65 15 gross separation

Example 14

Polyoxyethylene (150) distearate (Composition C) (Estol 3734, availablefrom Uniqema) has a HLB of about 18.4, is a solid at room temperature(55° C. pour point). Composition C was combined with Composition A andwater at the proportions described below and according to the proceduresdescribed above to form Composition B. Composition B was observed to bea solvated, clear and homogeneous composition. The results are shownbelow in Table 14. TABLE 14 polyoxyethylene (150) distearate,Composition A, Water, Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 20 65 15clear, soluble, pourable

Example 15

Adult shampoo bases were prepared at (1) 7:3 ratios of sodium laurethsulfate (SLES) to cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAB); (2) 7:3 ratios ofammonium lauryl ether sulfate (ALES) to ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS);and (3) at 7:3 ratios of alpha olefin sulfonates (AOS) tococoamidopropyl betaine (CAB). Compositions B (i.e., the solvatedpolyoxyethylene (150) distearate solution) and C (i.e., polyoxyethylene(150) distearate) of Example 14 were added to the adult shampoo bases.Composition A was also added to the shampoo bases for comparison.

Viscosity in centipoise (cPs) were measured with a Brookfield DVII modelviscometer according to standard operating procedures provided by themanufacturer to obtain reliable viscosity measurement over wide rangesof viscosity. The viscosity results of the resulting compositions incentipoise are listed below. TABLE 15A SLES/CAB Shampoo Base at 0.2%NaCl Wt. % Viscosity, cPs, Composition for Compositions: Added A B C 1.019 5,963 21 2.0 45 226,000 242 3.0 186 267,000 3,419

TABLE 15B ALES/ALS Shampoo Base at 0.4% NaCl Wt. % Viscosity, cPs,Composition for Compositions: Added A B C 1.0 8 28 5.4 2.0 13 424 7.53.0 24 8,278 8.4

TABLE 15C AOS/CAB Shampoo Base at 0.2% NaCl Wt. % Viscosity, cPs,Composition for Compositions: Added A B C 1.0 5.4 10 5.4 2.0 6.5 28 6.53.0 9.6 14,637 9.6

For comparison, the results of Tables 15A-15C are shown below in Table15D for compositions B and C on a percent-added polyoxyethylene (150)distearate basis. TABLE 15D Thickener Comparison On a Polyoxyethylene(150) Distearate Basis Wt. % PEG Wt. % (150) Viscosity, cPs, forComposition Distearate Compositions Shampoo Added Added B C Base 1.0 1.021 1 2.0 2.0 242 1 3.0 3.0 3,419 1 1.0 0.2 5,963 1 2.0 0.4 226,000 1 3.00.6 267,000 1 1.0 1.0 5.4 2 2.0 2.0 7.5 2 3.0 3.0 8.4 2 1.0 0.2 28 2 2.00.4 424 2 3.0 0.6 8,278 2 1.0 1.0 5.4 3

TABLE 15D Thickener Comparison On a Polyoxyethylene (150) DistearateBasis Wt. % PEG Wt. % (150) Viscosity, cPs, for Composition DistearateCompositions Shampoo Added Added B C Base 2.0 2.0 6.5 3 3.0 3.0 9.6 31.0 0.2 10 3 2.0 0.4 28 3 3.0 0.6 14,637 31 SLES/CAB Shampoo Base at 0.2% NaCl2 ALES/ALS Shampoo Base at 0.4% NaCl3 AOS/CAB Shampoo Base at 0.2% NaCl

Composition B showed unexpected results over Composition C, as noted bythe viscosity increase for the same levels of polyoxyethylene (150)distearate.

Example 16

A baby shampoo formulation was prepared as described in Table 16A below.TABLE 16A Uniqema Baby Shampoo Formulation Component Wt. % Water 85.0Atlas G-4280 (PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate) 4.5 Standapol ES-2 (SodiumLaureth Sulfate) 2.0 Cedapal TD-407 (Sodium Trideceth Sulfate) 3.0Monateric CAB-LC (Cocoamidopropyl Betaine) 4.0 Pricerine 9088(Glycerine) 1.5 Preservative qs Fragrance qs

Compositions B (i.e., the solvated polyoxyethylene (150) distearatesolution) and C (i.e., polyoxyethylene (150) distearate) of Example 14were added to the baby shampoo formulation. Composition A was also addedto the shampoo bases for comparison. Viscosity in centipoise (cPs) weremeasured with a Brookfield DVII model viscometer according to standardoperating procedures as described above. The viscosity results of theresulting compositions in centipoise are listed below. TABLE 16B UniqemaBaby Shampoo Formulation Wt. % Viscosity, cPs, Composition forCompositions: Added A B C 1.0 59 549 84 2.0 142 7,534 489 3.0 430 22,7452,834 4.0 1,275 33,473 7,203

Composition B, i.e., the solvated composition of the present invention,had synergistic thickening over the solvent, i.e., Composition A, aloneand the solute, i.e., Composition C, alone.

For comparison, the results of Table 16B are shown below in Table 16Cfor Compositions B and C on a percent-added polyoxyethylene (150)distearate basis. TABLE 16C Uniqema Baby Shampoo Formulation Wt. % PEGWt. % (150) Viscosity, cPs, Composition Distearate for Compositions:Added Added B C 1.0 1.0 84 2.0 2.0 489 3.0 3.0 2,834 4.0 4.0 7,203 1.00.2 549 2.0 0.4 7,534 3.0 0.6 22,745 4.0 0.8 33,473

Composition B showed unexpected results over Composition C, as noted bythe viscosity increase for the much lower levels of polyoxyethylene(150) distearate.

Example 17

Coconut fatty acid (Prifac 7902, available from Uniqema) is a solidpaste at room temperature (25° C. melting point) and is insoluble inwater at room temperature. Coconut fatty acid is rich in C₁₂ and C₁₄fatty acids at about 55 and about 22 weight percent, respectively, withthe balance being predominately heavier (Cu₆ and C₁₈) fatty acids. TheCoconut fatty acid was heated to 50° C. to melt the coconut fatty acid,and combined with PPG-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide (Promidium CO productavailable from Uniqema), a liquid a room temperature, at variousproportions. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositions were observedat varying combinations. No water was required for salvation. Theresults are shown below in Table 17A. TABLE 17A Coconut WeightAppearance after 1 Day PPG-2 hydroxyethyl fatty acid, Ratio⁽¹⁾, at RoomTemperature cocamide, Wt. Parts Wt. Parts Wt./Wt. (25° C.) 15 5 3/1clear liquid 10 5 2/1 clear liquid 10 10 1/1 clear liquid 5 10 1/2crystals⁽¹⁾Weight Ratio of PPG-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide to coconut fatty acid

Clear homogeneous solutions were observed at weight ratios of PPG-2hydroxyethyl cocamide to coconut fatty acid of about one and greater(i.e., greater amounts of PPG-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide). At a weightratio of PPG-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide to coconut fatty acid of about oneto two, a homogeneous liquid was not observed.

The clear liquids solutions of Table 1 7A were then cooled to about 5°C. for twenty-four hours. Crystallization and/or solidification wasobserved at this cooled temperatures. When these cooled samples werewarmed to room temperature, i.e., were allowed to thaw, clearhomogeneous liquid samples were again observed. These “freezing/thawing”results are shown below in Table 17B. TABLE 17B Coconut WeightAppearance after 1 Day PPG-2 hydroxyethyl fatty acid, Ratio⁽¹⁾, then atcocamide, Wt. Parts Wt. Parts Wt./Wt. first at 5° C. 25° C. 15 5 3/1paste, some clear liquid small crystals 10 5 2/1 paste, some clearliquid small crystals 10 10 1/1 solid, white clear liquid⁽¹⁾Weight Ratio of PPG-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide to coconut fatty acid

Example 18

Lauric acid (92-94%) (Prifrac 2920, available from Uniqema) is a solidat room temperature (41° C. melting point) and is rich in C₁₂ fattyacids, typically about 92%. Lauric acid (98-100%) (Prifrac 2922,available from Uniqema) is a solid at room temperature (43° C. meltingpoint) and is rich in C₁₂ fatty acids, typically about 98%. Palmiticacid (Prifrac 2960, available form Uniqema) is a solid at roomtemperature (60° C. melting point) and is rich in C₁₆ fatty acid,typically about 92%.The fatty acids was heated to 50° C. to melt them,and combined with PPG-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide and theisostearamide/nonisostearamide solvent (Composition A of Examples 1-14)at various proportions. Solvated, clear and homogeneous compositionswere observed at varying combinations. No water was required forsolvation. The results are shown below in Table 18A. TABLE 18A PPG-2hydroxyethyl Lauric acid (92-94%), Appearance after 1 Day cocamide, Wt.Parts Wt. Parts at 20° C. 80 20 pourable, clear liquid 50 50 solid

TABLE 18B PPG-2 hydroxyethyl Lauric acid (98-100%), Appearance after 1Day cocamide, Wt. Parts Wt. Parts at 20° C. 80 20 pourable, clear liquid50 50 solid

TABLE 18C PPG-2 hydroxyethyl Palmitic acid, Wt. Appearance after 1 Daycocamide, Wt. Parts Parts at 20° C. 80 20 solid 50 50 solid

TABLE 18D Composition A, Wt. Lauric acid (92-94%), Appearance after 1Day Parts Wt. Parts at 20° C. 80 20 pourable, clear liquid 50 50 solid

TABLE 18E Composition A, Wt. Lauric acid (98-100%), Appearance after 1Day Parts Wt. Parts at 20° C. 80 20 pourable, clear liquid 50 50 solid

TABLE 18F Composition A, Wt. Palmitic acid, Wt. Appearance after 1 DayParts Parts at 20° C. 80 20 solid 50 50 solid

Example 19

This example shows enhanced emulsification with the use of solvatednonionic surfactants of the present invention as compared to use ofnonsolvated nonionic surfactants. A first emulsion was prepared with15.00 weight percent mineral oil (white), 2.25 weight percent nonionicsurfactant and 82.75 weight percent water. The surfactant used was ablend of 43 weight percent polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether (Brij 72,available from Uniqema) and 57 weight percent polyoxyethylene (21)stearyl ether (Brij 721, available form Uniqema), and the blend had aHLB value of about 10.9. After three weeks of storage at roomtemperature, the emulsion had 30% cream separation, i.e., an unstableemulsion.

A second emulsion was prepared with 15.00 weight percent mineral oil(white), 2.25 weight percent nonionic surfactant system and 82.75 weightpercent water. The surfactant system used was 25 weight percentpolyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether (Brij 72, available from Uniqema)dispersed in 75 weight percent of a solvated solution of 25 weightpercent polyoxyethylene (21) stearyl ether (Brij 721, available fromUniqema), 60 weight percent of an alkoxylated alkanolamide compositionhaving 1 part by weight propoxylated hydroxyethyl isostearamide to 3parts by weight propoxylated hydroxyethyl cocamide (Composition A) and15 weight percent water. This surfactant system has a calculated HLB of12.5. After three weeks of storage at room temperature, the emulsion was100% stable, i.e., no separation was observed.

Example 20

Polyoxyethylene (150) distearate (Composition C) (Estol 3734, availablefrom Uniqema) was combined with PPG-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide (PromidiumCO product available from Uniqema), and water at the proportionsdescribed below and according to the procedures described above to forma solvated, clear and homogeneous composition. The results are shownbelow in Table 20. TABLE 20 PPG-2 polyoxyethylene hydroxyethyl (150)distearate, cocamide, Water, Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Appearance at 20° C. 5020 30 clear, soluble, pourable

While there have been described what are presently believed to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art willrealize that changes and modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended toinclude all such changes and modifications as fall within the true scopeof the invention.

1. A liquid and readily flowable composition comprising: a) aroom-temperature-solid solute selected from the group consisting of anonionic surfactant, a C₈-C₁₄ fatty acid, and combinations thereof; b)at least one alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide; and c) optionally water;wherein the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide acts as a solvent to solvatethe solid solute to form a homogeneous composition which is liquid andreadily flowable at room temperature.
 2. The composition of claim 1wherein the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide is represented by Formula 1;

wherein R¹ is a branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturatedC₃-C₂₁ alkyl radical, or a combination thereof; R² is a C₁-C₂ alkylradical or a combination thereof; x is from about 1 to about 8; y is 0or 1; and z is 1 or
 2. 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein thenonionic surfactant has a hydrophile-lipophile balance from about 11.1to about 18.4.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the nonionicsurfactant is selected from the group consisting of (i) polyalkyleneoxide carboxylic acid esters selected from the group consisting ofpolyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid monoesters, polyalkylene oxidecarboxylic acid diesters, and combinations thereof, wherein thepolyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid esters have a polyethylene oxidemoiety corresponding to the formula of —(OCH₂CH₂)_(n), where n is fromabout 5 to about 200, and have a carboxylic acid moiety from about 8 toabout 30 carbon atoms; (ii) ethoxylated fatty alcohols having anethylene oxide moiety corresponding to the formula of —(OCH₂CH₂)_(m),where m is from about 5 to about 150, and have a fatty alcohol moietyfrom about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms; (iii) poloxamers that are blockpolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide having from about 15 toabout 100 moles of ethylene oxide and from about 15 to about 70 moles ofpropylene oxide; (iv) alkyl polysaccharides having a hydrophobic groupwith about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms; and (v) combinations thereof. 5.The composition of claim 1 wherein the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide isselected from the group consisting propoxylated hydroxyethylisostearamide, propoxylated hydroxyethyl caprylamide, propoxylatedhydroxyethyl cocamide, propoxylated hydroxyethyl linoleamide,propoxylated hydroxyethyl soyamide, and combinations thereof.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein (i) the nonionic surfactant is apolyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid diester having a polyethylene oxidemoiety corresponding to the formula of —(OCH₂CH₂)_(n), where n is fromabout 5 to about 200, and having a carboxylic acid moiety from about 8to about 30 carbon atoms, and (ii) the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamideincludes propoxylated hydroxyethyl cocamide.
 7. The composition of claim6 wherein the addition of the composition into a cleansing formulationincreases viscosity of the cleansing formulation to a greater viscositythan for similar weight additions of unsolvated polyalkylene oxidecarboxylic acid diesters into the cleansing formulation.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein (a) the nonionic surfactant solute isselected from the group consisting of (i) polyalkylene oxide carboxylicacid monoesters, polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid diesters, andcombinations thereof, wherein the polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acidesters have a polyethylene oxide moiety corresponding to the formula of—(OCH₂CH₂)_(n), where n is from about 8 to about 150, and have acarboxylic acid moiety from about 16 to about 18 carbon atoms; (ii)ethoxylated fatty alcohols having an ethylene oxide moiety correspondingto the formula of —(OCH₂CH₂)_(m), where m is from about 7 to about 21,and have a fatty alcohol moiety from about 10 to about 19 carbon atoms;and (iii) combinations thereof; and (b) the C₈-C₁₄ fatty acid is acarboxylic fatty acid of the formula R³COOH where a mean average R³ isfrom about 12 to about 14 carbon atoms, which can be saturated orunsaturated.
 9. The composition of claim 1 wherein (i) the nonionicsurfactant solute is a combination of polyoxyethylene (20) isohexadecylether and polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether; and (ii) the alkoxylatedfatty alkanolamide includes propoxylated hydroxyethyl cocamide.
 10. Amethod for solvating a composition which is solid at room temperature,comprising: a) providing a room-temperature-solid solute selected fromthe group consisting of a nonionic surfactant, a C₈-C₁₄ fatty acid, andcombinations thereof; b) selecting an alkoxylated fatty alkanolamidewhich is liquid at room temperature; c) combining the solute, optionallythe water, and the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide; d) heating themixture to a temperature greater than the pour point of the solute toliquefy the solid; and (e) maintaining temperature of the mixture andstirring until a homogeneous liquid composition is achieved.
 11. Themethod of claim 10 further including the step of cooling the combinedliquefied solute and alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide composition to roomtemperature to form a room-temperature, homogenous liquid composition.12. The method of claim 11 wherein the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide isselected from the group consisting of propoxylated fatty ethanolamideand propoxylated fatty isopropanolamide.
 13. A method of thickening acleansing formulation comprising: adding a liquid and solvatedthickening composition into the formulation, wherein the solvatedthickening composition comprises: (a) a solvent selected from the groupconsisting of propoxylated hydroxyethyl isostearamide, propoxylatedhydroxyethyl caprylamide, propoxylated hydroxyethyl cocamide,propoxylated hydroxyethyl linoleamide, propoxylated hydroxyethylsoyamide, and combinations thereof; (b) a solute comprising aroom-temperature-solid nonionic surfactant comprising polyalkylene oxidecarboxylic acid diesters having a polyethylene oxide moietycorresponding to the formula of —(OCH₂CH₂)_(n), where n is from about 5to about 200, and having a carboxylic acid moiety from about 8 to about30 carbon atoms and having a hydrophile-lipophile balance from about 11.1 to about 18.4; and (c) water; wherein the solvated thickeningcomposition is a homogeneous liquid at room temperature.
 14. The methodof claim 13 wherein the step of adding the solvated thickeningcomposition is performed at room temperature.
 15. The method of claim 13wherein the addition of the solvated thickening composition increasesviscosity of the cleansing formulation to a greater extent than by theaddition of similar weight amounts of a similar polyalkylene oxidecarboxylic acid diester.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein thecleansing formulation is a shampoo.
 17. A shampoo comprising: (i) aliquid and readily flowable composition comprising: a) aroom-temperature-solid solute selected from the group consisting of anonionic surfactant, a C₈-C₁₄ fatty acid, and combinations thereof; b)an alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide; and c) optionally water; wherein thealkoxylated fatty alkanolamide acts as a solvent to solvate the solidsolute to form a homogeneous composition which is liquid and readilyflowable at room temperature; (ii) an anionic surfactant; and (iii)optionally one or more of a betaine, a non-ionic surfactant, anamphoteric surfactant, and a cationic surfactant.
 18. A baby shampoocomprising: (i) a room-temperature liquid and solvated thickeningcomposition comprising: (a) a solvent comprising an alkoxylated fattyalkanolamide; (b) a solute comprising a room-temperature-solid nonionicsurfactant comprising polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid diesters havinga polyethylene oxide moiety corresponding to the formula of—(OCH₂CH₂)_(n), where n is from about 5 to about 200, and having acarboxylic acid moiety from about 8 to about 30 carbon; and (c) water;(ii) an anionic surfactant; (iii) a betaine; (iv) a nonionic surfactant;and (v) optionally, an amphoteric surfactant.
 19. The baby shampoo ofclaim 18 wherein the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide is selected from thegroup consisting of propoxylated hydroxyethyl isostearamide,propoxylated hydroxyethyl caprylamide, propoxylated hydroxyethylcocamide, propoxylated hydroxyethyl linoleamide, propoxylatedhydroxyethyl soyamide, and combinations thereof.
 20. The baby shampoo ofclaim 18 wherein the anionic surfactant is present from about 2 to about5 weight percent on a total shampoo basis; the betaine is present fromabout 3 to about 6 weight percent on a total shampoo basis; the nonionicsurfactant is present from about 6 to about 10 weight percent on a totalshampoo basis; and the amphoteric surfactant is present from about 0 toabout 5 weight percent on a total shampoo basis.
 21. An adult shampoocomprising: (i) a room-temperature liquid and solvated thickeningcomposition comprising: (a) a solvent comprising an alkoxylated fattyalkanolamide; (b) a solute comprising a room-temperature-solid nonionicsurfactant comprising polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid diesters havinga polyethylene oxide moiety corresponding to the formula of(OCH₂CH₂)_(n), where n is from about 5 to about 200, and having acarboxylic acid moiety from about 8 to about 30 carbon; and (c) water;(ii) an anionic surfactant; (iii) a betaine; (iv) a nonionic surfactant;and (v) optionally, a cationic surfactant.
 22. The adult shampoo ofclaim 21 wherein the anionic surfactant is present from about 6 to about15 weight percent on a total shampoo basis; the betaine is present fromabout 2 to about 6 weight percent on a total shampoo basis; the nonionicsurfactant is present from about 1 to about 4 weight percent on a totalshampoo basis; and the cationic surfactant is present from about 0 toabout 1 weight percent on a total shampoo basis.
 23. An industrialcleaning composition comprising: (i) a liquid and readily flowablecomposition comprising: a) a room-temperature-solid solute selected fromthe group consisting of a nonionic surfactant, a C₈-C₁₄ fatty acid, andcombinations thereof; b) an alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide; and c)optionally water; wherein the alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide acts as asolvent to solvate the solid solute to form a homogeneous compositionwhich is liquid and readily flowable at room temperature; and (ii) atleast one surfactant selected from the group consisting of an anionicsurfactant; a non-ionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, and acationic surfactant.